Short Description: Jodhpur police crack a major cyber fraud ring using mule accounts, uncovering ₹45 crore in scams and a sophisticated crypto money-laundering trail.
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In a significant blow to organized cybercrime, police in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, have dismantled a nationwide fraud network operating through mule bank accounts. The bust resulted in three arrests and exposed a sophisticated laundering scheme where illicit funds were processed through fraudulent accounts and converted into cryptocurrencies like USDT to obscure their origin. Preliminary findings indicate the network handled transactions worth at least ₹21 lakh directly, but its links to nearly 80 complaints across India suggest a potential fraud exposure of a staggering ₹45 crore.
The operation, initiated on intelligence from the national Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), revealed a classic cyber fraud model. The accused allegedly sourced bank accounts—often from unemployed youth lured by quick cash—to create “mule accounts.” These were then used in scams ranging from fake investments to online gaming fraud. Once victim funds were deposited, the network would immediately withdraw cash, keep a commission, and funnel the remainder to higher-ups via crypto exchanges. This cryptocurrency money laundering tactic creates complex layers, making it exceptionally difficult for authorities to trace the stolen money back to its criminal source.
This case underscores a critical warning for financial citizens everywhere: renting or handing over control of your bank account is a serious legal risk. The arrested individuals, acting as cash-out channels, now face prosecution, demonstrating that account holders can also face legal liability. For the public, the imperative is clear: never share account details, ATM cards, or OTPs, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. The investigation continues, with officials probing deeper into the syndicate’s digital footprint to arrest the masterminds, highlighting the evolving battle against organized financial crime in the digital age.
Short Summary: The Jodhpur cybercrime bust exposes the dangerous role of mule bank accounts in large-scale cyber fraud. The network used cryptocurrency money laundering to hide illicit flows, with potential losses near ₹45 crore. This case, aided by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), serves as a stark reminder that account holders can also face legal liability for their involvement, reinforcing the need for public vigilance against organized financial crime.
